Aviana Geckeler, 3, is held by her mother Michelle as she reaches out to the artificial snow falling during the first annual &#8220;Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting&#8221; takes place in Attallah Piazza at Chapman University.LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Chapman University's first "Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting" on Nov. 29 turned out to be a series of dramatic events. President James L. Doti wouldn't have it any other way. The celebration gave students a chance to break from studying for a free cup of hot chocolate. Yet many probably didn't realize a couple of generous patrons attended: Doy Henley, who had the tallest tree named for him, and Donna Attallah, a naming donor of the Atallah Piazza where the party took place. Here's how it unfolded.

Mini Marketplace

Vendors sold handbags, candy and tamales while students and community members gathered by the hundreds. "I didn't even know that," said Jamie Carroll, 19, after being told Henley was a benefactor. Her roommate, sophomore Kate DeSalvo, 19, recognized his name. "Doy's Place in the basement of the Henley Building has the best pizza. It's open late so you always have someplace to eat."

Holiday Cheer

Music students sang and played. "It's my favorite holiday," said theater major MorganLauff, 20. "And I love classical Christmas music. A brass quintet really gets you into the Christmas mood."

Dramatic Reading

Theater professor Michael Nehring provided a lively reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," and at the appropriate moment Henley, dressed as Santa, arrived in a red sleigh pulled by four strapping undergrads with Doti leading the team in a light-up Rudolph nose.

Let it Snow

As the carolers sang a rousing finish, soap bubble snow flurries fell to the delight of children in the audience. Before it was all over, a burst of fireworks shot into the sky behind the library while the merry crowd cheered.

Aviana Geckeler, 3, is held by her mother Michelle as she reaches out to the artificial snow falling during the first annual “Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting” takes place in Attallah Piazza at Chapman University. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Trustee and longtime Chapman University supporter Doy Henley plays Santa Claus as he passes out candy to children at the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Jim Doti, president at Chapman University, wears a red Rudolf nose at the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Jim Doti, left, president at Chapman University leads the crowd in Attallah Piazza in a countdown as he and longtime university supporter Doy Henley, dressed as Santa, prepare to flip the switch to light the Christmas tree at the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Jim Doti, president at Chapman University, plays Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer as he pulls a sled into Attallah Piazza that carries longtime university supporter Doy Henley, dressed as Santa, as part of the festivities at the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Students gather around the Christmas tree at the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting at Chapman University. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Carol Winell, left, and her granddaughter Aviana Geckeler, 3, watch the fireworks during the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting takes place in Attallah Piazza at Chapman University. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Members of the Chapman Choir sing Christmas carols at first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting takes place in Attallah Piazza at Chapman University. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Hundreds of people gather in Attallah Piazza at Chapman University for the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A giant snowflake is projected on the side of the Argyros School of Business and Economics building as part of the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting at Chapman University. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Lacey Walswick and her son Samuel, 9 months, center, looks back to her friend Taryn Stroop and her daughter Cora, 10 months, right, as they take shelter from the light drizzle during the first Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting at Chapman University on Nov. 29. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Members of the Chapman Choir sing Christmas carols at first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting takes place in Attallah Piazza at Chapman University. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Hundreds of people gather in Attallah Piazza at Chapman University for the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Trustee and longtime Chapman University supporter, Doy Henley, at the first annual "Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting" at Chapman University. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Chapman University students Kate DeSalvo, left, and Jamie Carroll, both 19, attend the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting at Chapman University. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Morgan Lauff, 20, attends the first annual Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree-Lighting at Chapman University. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.